Tag: renovation

Mannequins and Wax at Belleva

I have a fear of deadlines. Years ago, I used to design, sell and hire out mannequins. They were not the easiest things to package and deliver. Human size. A little like working in a morgue but within the fashion sector. I had to ensure the mannequins were delivered to venues, then dressed accordingly and returned immediately afterwards, as otherwise I could lose them. They would end up buried away in prop rooms or worst still, stolen. I did ask for a deposit to cover this eventuality, so we still got by. But you know, I sort of got attached to the dummies. There will be mannequins here at Belleva and we are at 30 St Chad’s Road Blackpool.

I have spent over two years renovating Belleva. It’s been done in stages, and I have paid attention to each small detail. As this is a project with my ‘creative’ side, I have not simply done the basic requirements to get the doors open and take bookings. I have savored each small move, as I want to appreciate everything life gives to me. I want to see the reason why I have had so many challenges. It’s certainly made me wiser, because when things go wrong, I take time alone to reflect where this could have been done differently. And when humans intentionally hurt me, I ask myself why I allowed this to happen. Being ‘creative’ has the same ‘empathetic’ values within our sensitivity radar. It goes hand in hand.

The important thing in life is not to go looking for negativity and to have strength to focus only on that which drives us forward with optimism and positive mindset. I have had some promotional opportunities but it’s a 7-bed hotel, so I don’t really want to overburden the public arena. It really is about balance.

I don’t want to exist hanging on reviews either, as doing this trade for over 3 years most of ‘my’ visitors don’t do mobile phones etc, which surprised me with this ‘internet culture’ many live almost simulations existence within. When in the past I have had the ‘not so nice’ reviews there is always a hidden reason. And it’s usually we just didn’t get on – but generally speaking I did well considering I didn’t really know what the hell I was doing. It is a pity small business cannot review their guests by return as there are some shitty manners out there. Although I always say and will stand by, most people really are adorable. And there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism. But when a guest leaves smiling saying they’ve had the best time ever then resort to the web to complain, it’s too late for me to do anything.

With Tripadvisor they do a hashtag to position each venue and this is based on many factors to include how often the venue is open and available. So for instance if a hotel closes during the week they will be near the back of the hashtag score. I don’t buy into that shit.

I have made Belleva in Blackpool an adult only hotel and often wonder whether I have made a mistake but the amount of washing up and laundry we get with larger occupancy to rooms is a lot of work. It took me sometimes until lunch time to get up straight after breakfast and then the piles of laundry were overwhelming. I am 56 years old and think that running a couples (adults) hotel will be more manageable, as I do have a life beyond cleaning.

I am really excited to share my home. And yes, to me it is my home – as I put my heart into the things I have chosen to do in life. Although my apartment at the back is my own little hub of happiness. It’s like having two lives all in one place and I am glad to be on this journey.

There have been mishaps. I flooded my bay window room. Nothing really matches (but I knew it wouldn’t). I shouldn’t have stored my furnishings in there whilst it was still being renovated but I was so excited I couldn’t wait.

If I could start again though, I would still make mistakes. But I am being true to myself and have some good people around me. St Chad’s Road is a lovely street. We cannot get along with everyone as some people don’t want harmony in favour of resentment but generally speaking I have met the most inspiring and sweet people in my life within my neighbours and community. They really have given me so much support in so many ways. I hope we continue to get along as Blackpool is big enough for everyone. There is so much progress being made here. The town is shifting and changing and the art is mind blowing. Tonight I have been invited to watch Alright play their first live gig and I am taking Josie. Also, I am doing some work for Stay Blackpool this weekend. Blackpool is a good place to live as there are no awkward introductions, you can get straight into groups and crafts. Everyone is very sweet.

As for breakfast. I have had a lot of feedback about this. My guests want the full English. I also want to offer a more extensive vegan option. Since we have local produce delivered to our doors I will probably stick with the more traditional approach. But I will also be doing meals. Belleva is my ‘social’ too and I want to talk with you all. I want us to nibble at posh natural cheese, organic fruit, dips and yummy desserts.

Remember I have my soap and wax counter too. If anyone fancies making some melts or candles with me let me know. Would love to play!

You will also meet my friends some of which are other hoteliers and interesting people from our community. They just drop in. I have no idea where this will take us but life’s short.

See you Soon.

Tiffany Belle Harper.

by Tiffany Belle Harper

A hidden palace in Leeds

Driving out of Leeds there was a diversion that took me down a street I’ve not come across before. It was full of derelict buildings of great architecture. I saw this. It is left to crumble. Look at the detail. The bricks and windows. The woodwork it is so gorgeous. Stuck somewhere in the past during industrial wealth. We thought it may have been an old mill or foundry. I think those in a position to do so should think about what is already here instead of encouraging new builds. This could be made into an entertainments venue, housing or offices. If I had more sets of arms and could be in multiple  places at once I would want to adopt this space but my time is already so full! The lower roof is asbestos which is very dangerous to health. It would have to be removed by professionals before renovation could take place. See beyond the flaws and imagination what this could be. I hope someone takes it on. TBH©

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by Tiffany Belle Harper

making the most of space #diary #interiordesign

I’ve been helping my son with a large house he bought at auction, where he’s converted it to three flats, providing affordable housing to the community. He’s done it all on his own and I am so proud. The last of the three gets rented out today. Well done!

I’ve been playing with small spaces. I just love nesting. I found two shelves from Ikea I forgot I bought. So I’ve put them up in the kitchen and propped them with things I used for camping to make the walls look colourful. It hasn’t cost a penny and has added character to my basement, that was once just a dark, damp room!

We can utilise space with affordable storage so easily!

None of the walls are level in my basement and hallway, it’s a quirky spot of Leeds. I must add, no more slugs. I’ve had a door bar and draft excluder fitted and sealed all the newly fitted skirting boards! I’ve been very busy writing and doing my D.I.Y. It’s good to share our ‘self’ motivation as I believe charity starts at home and when we connect with our living space it improves our general quality of life. I hope you are all having a beautiful week, full of love and kindness.

TBH ©

by Tiffany Belle Harper

My sons fabulous project and the sacred Babu #diary

My son bought a street pub a couple of years ago where he’s converting it back to a house and an apartment. He’s designed it all himself and used salvaged materials where possible. This creates a unique and rustic finish. He took the place back to its shell and at first we thought it would not be possible due to council red tape and aggravation from planning officers. But it’s all coming together. I am loving the warehouse/factory feel. Love the lighting in particular and the swivel kitchen stools. It’s like a Tardis.

 

It’s a huge space and will take a while to finish. He’s not rushing this and putting all his creative passion into the project. Cannot wait to see the finished pad!

He’s used an old window sill for the step. A piece of salvaged timber for the fire mantle.

 

He’s turned the out building into a ‘retro’ games room.

 

The open living space first stage. There’s the same size again on the other side of the wall.

 

The garden is just beautiful. So much love and attention to nature mixed with nostalgia.

 

A real labour of love am so proud of him! I had rushed over to tell him about my tent but felt rather in awe having seen the progress he’s made with the place. There’s also an upstairs he will be converting. It looked tiny as a pub yet it’s got so much space. It just shows what we can do against so many odds and on a budget.

Anyway, we’re all delighted with Babu. It’s actually huge and we will need a load more cushions and we’ve got some American Twist pile carpet to fit tomorrow. I have also been experimenting with recipes for our new gatherings. I hope everyone has had the most wonderful week. I am going now to try the apple crumble I just made with apples from the garden.

 

Babu

TBH (Mum.) X

 

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Letting Go of the Past in Warwick ‘My Flat’ and a little Video by Tiffany Belle Harper

When I moved to Leeds (2010) I didn’t fight to keep my house in Warwick. It was a case of survival – at the time all I wanted was a new life. It’s been a journey. I also owned a flat that was home to a friend and her partner. As the rent she paid covered the outgoings, I put it on a back burner as it ran itself. For a couple of years I blocked out Warwick and the tragedy that forced me to flee my business and family almost six years ago.

Here’s some photos taken in 2006 when I renovated it. Of course, style and taste has changed since this. Plus, between then it went bright red (courtesy of lodgers – not my taste.) I’ll show you the new pictures when it’s online and for sale …

So moving to Leeds, rock being my youngest son who at the time was a student. I turned his world upside down (and all of his friends …) I hope they can forgive me one day – although … my son has never once complained.

The happiest home I had was my flat. There’s something stable, airy and calming about the place. I’d quite forgotten how lovely it is. I spent all of Christmas there and got to grips with fragments of my elapsed past that had hidden itself in the darker alcoves of memory.

I admit when my lodgers left I felt a great sense of anticipation putting the keys back in the door.

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks giving it an icy white coating of paint. I’ve up cycled the existing furnishings. Cleaned sofa covers, painted pine, scrubbed lamp shades. I haven’t replaced the kitchen and bathroom as the new owners will want to put their own mark on it. The place goes on the market ‘officially’ at the weekend.

It’s taken me a lot of courage to let go of the final piece of my past. I feel liberated.

A couple of days later:-

Here’s a photo ‘after’ the red walls … It’s sold SSTC. Pay off mortgage then the retreat. I so want a place to help the vulnerable, the awake and the wise.

flatsold

Tiffany Belle Harper.

by Tiffany Belle Harper